Late Model driver goes double dipping in Roseville, Stockton

Tim Lloyd/Roseville Press TribuneMatt Scott, 20, is closing in on his third consecutive Late Model points championship at All American Speedway and sees himself moving up to the next rung on the NASCAR ladder: K&N Pro Series West.

Tim Lloyd/Roseville Press TribuneMatt Scott (35) didn’t win the 75-lap Late Model main event Saturday night at All American Speedway, but he got under the back end of Travis Milburn (14) and made him work for the checkered flag.

The number 35 has quite a bit of meaning at All American Speedway. It belongs to the car that continues to lead the pack with smooth turns and accelerated straight-aways, and it belongs to the two-time defending track champion.

Matt Scott, 20, began racing at the age of 12 and hasn’t looked back. He comes from a racing family and started in go-karts before working his way up to the Late Model series in Roseville.

“It’s been a lot of progression with everybody, even my crew,” Scott said. “I feel like I’ve come miles and miles from where I started. Now, the only place to go is up. We’re still learning little bits and pieces here and there, but I’m hoping to move up.”

Scott qualified fourth and placed second to Travis Milburn in the 75-lap main event Saturday night. Scott again is the points leader at All-American Speedway, and he’s quick to credit his crew over his driving skills. Crew chief Chuck Scott leads a team of Brian Bates, Steve Bates, Rich Field, Keith Garrett, T.J. Garrett, and Scott Gilroy.

“My crew is the key to my success,” Matt Scott said. “They work very hard on my car, week in and week out. My uncle Chuck has the car in his garage, and he works on that thing every day of the week.”

Said Chuck Scott, “He’s a very patient driver and a very calculating driver. He understands what he has, and he’s able to adapt to what the car is giving him, and he makes adjustments to the race. He’s very talented with his skills.”

With all their success in Roseville, the team has taken up a new challenge this season at Stockton 99 Speedway. Matt Scott attempted to race in the series in 2010 but was discouraged after crashing in a race.

“We totaled our car,” Chuck Scott said. “We came back this year with the idea that no one has ever won two track championships. Stockton is a really tricky track, and I believe that there are better competitors there.”

Matt Scott has kept pace on both tracks and is 10 points behind leader Jeff Belletto at Stockton 99. Scott has two wins in 12 races in Stockton. It would be a monumental double if he were to pull it off.

Scott’s short-term goal is to finish this season strong, and he has bigger goals for the long term. Scott hopes to continue moving up the NASCAR ladder.

“I’m hoping for the K&N Pro Series West, but the SRL (Southwest Tour) is also looking pretty promising,” he said.

MATT SCOTT BY THE NUMBERS

At All American Speedway: First in points; two wins and three runner-up finishes in seven starts.

At Stockton 99 Speedway: Second in points to Jeff Belletto; two wins and nine top-four finishes in 12 starts.

This Saturday: Western Late Model twin main events at Stockton 99.

ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY

Triple-digit half-price Saturday: With one forecast calling for the temperature to be 107 degrees Saturday, all tickets are half price. Or, go to the Squeeze Inn at 106 N. Sunrise Ave. in Roseville from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, mention All American Speedway, and receive two free tickets. Squeeze Inn will have 500 tickets total to give away. The beer garden will be equipped with misters, and bottled water will be on sale for $1.

Normal ticket prices: $13 for ages 16-59, $7 for seniors 60 and up and juniors 6-15, free for children 5 and under, $35 for a family pass (two adults, three juniors).

When: Saturday, Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd., Roseville. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. Racing at 6:15 p.m.